-old hadiya pendleton was killed a mile from where his job is. the connection is very real for him. the gun violence rate is one of the highest in the country. the poverty rate in the south side of chicago where he will be speaking today, where he was once a community organizer, one of the highest in the country. we've been here a couple of days, talking to community organizers. they say the need has never been greater. so when the president comes here, politically the main thing is to give his message from the state of the union and put it on the ground where the people are and where the situations require it and, of course, south side of chicago is a place where urban violence is very much a foot. however, there's going to be the looming question, are you just giving your speech or are you going to make good on the promises here where you call home? a lot of people are so happy to see the president but they will be even more happy if these words turn into actions and help create opportunities for the kids they say will wind up killing themselves and others if there's no better wa

gabby giffords, the parents of slain teenager, hadiya pendleton, and dozens of other victims of gun violence looked on, president obama called for a vote. >> they deserve a vote. gabby giffords deserves a vote. the families of newtown deserve a vote. the families of aurora deserve a vote. >> reporter: one day later, there are indications on capitol hill, the president may get it. >> we don't need a cheerleader. >> reporter: even as one of mr. obama's top republican critics, senator lindsey graham, made his case that the current system of background checks needs to be strengthened before it's expanded, he answered the president's call. >> will you personally block a vote in the senate on the gun control measures? >> no, let's vote. i don't disagree with the president to have a debate. let's vote. let's find something we can agree on. >> reporter: the reaction was the same from west virginia democratic senator and gun enthusia enthusiast, joe manchin. >> but you won't block a vote on -- >> i won't block a vote on anything, whether i support it or not. >> reporter: that doesn't mean th